Maíra Wong on açaí heritage, bold expansion, and building purpose-driven business worldwide
- SAMBAZON blends premium organic açaí with rainforest protection and fair trade impact.
- Global revenue scaled from one million to thirty four million.
- Palm to Palm model connects Amazon harvesters to everyday wellness bowls.
- Bold regional expansion targets APAC, Oceania, and Latin America next.
Bright purple bowls may be what first catches your eye, but behind every scoop of açaí is a supply chain rooted in culture, community, and conscious growth. At the heart of that story is SAMBAZON, a brand that has turned Amazon heritage into a global wellness movement. Leading that charge across Oceania, APAC, and Latin America is Maíra Wong, Global Business Development Leader, who has helped scale SAMBAZON’s international business from one million to thirty four million in just a decade.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Maíra’s connection to açaí is personal. Growing up with it as a staple food rather than a trend, she understands its cultural weight as much as its commercial potential. “SAMBAZON is a premium, organic açaí that fuels your body while protecting the Amazon and empowering the communities who harvest it,” she explains, summing up the brand in one sentence that captures both impact and intention.
One of the most common misconceptions she encounters is the idea that açaí is naturally sweet. In reality, pure açaí is earthy and slightly bitter. The sweetness most people associate with bowls comes from fruits and blends added later. What makes açaí special is its antioxidant power and nutrient density, not sugar. Another myth she is keen to bust is that açaí is just a passing wellness trend. In the Amazon, it has been consumed for centuries. It is heritage, not hype.
That respect for origin comes to life through SAMBAZON’s Palm to Palm model, a phrase many recognize but few fully understand. For Maíra, its power lies in traceability. From the hands harvesting berries in the Amazon to the hands holding a bowl in Dubai or Sydney, every step supports sustainable farming and fair trade communities. It is a system designed to keep the rainforest standing, not stripped.
Her role spans launching operations from the ground up across Oceania, APAC, and Latin America. That includes building local teams, designing logistics and cold storage solutions, setting pricing that works for each market, and securing major retail partnerships. Milestones like becoming Carrefour MENA’s first international CPG açaí partner and launching into nine hundred Woolworths stores in Australia reflect both scale and strategic patience.
Inside SAMBAZON HQ, açaí culture shows up in lighter moments too. Early birds apparently lead consumption, while night owls dominate smoothie experimentation. And while bowls remain iconic, Maíra has seen the product used in unexpected ways, from açaí glazed salmon to savory salad dressings.
Looking ahead, her vision is clear. Expanding deeper into key regions, growing food service presence, and making certified organic, fair trade açaí the standard rather than the exception. If sustainability had a flavor, she says, it would be bold and berry forward. Doing the right thing should still taste amazing!
Instagram: @sambazon
